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Do you need a COVID-19 booster shot?

A new study from the University of Georgia found that vaccination results in a more robust immune response than natural infection. Even with waning antibodies, vaccinated individuals still have protective immunity against severe disease and hospitalization.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 16, 2021

These fridge-free COVID-19 vaccines are grown in plants and bacteria

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed COVID-19 vaccine candidates made from plant viruses and bacteriophages, which can be stored and shipped without refrigeration. These vaccines trigger high production of neutralizing antibodies in mice, offering a potential solution for global distribution efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

World-first COVID vaccine booster randomized clinical trial in transplant patients proves third shot is very effective

A randomized clinical trial of third dose COVID-19 vaccine booster for transplant patients shows improved antibody levels and neutralizing antibodies, as well as a robust T-cell response. The study found that the third dose was safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2021

Most people are naturally armed against SARS-CoV-2

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that most people can produce neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in severe cases of COVID-19. These antibodies can be combined to block the virus from spreading, offering a promising approach for treatment and prevention, especially for vulnerable populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 11, 2021

HKU AIDS Institute invents universal antibody drug for HIV-1 prevention and immunotherapy

A research team led by Professor Chen Zhiwei at HKU invented a single gene-encoded tandem broadly neutralizing antibody, BiIA-SG, which displays potent activity against all genetically divergent global HIV-1 strains tested. The new findings show that BiIA-SG prevents diverse live viral challenges completely in humanized mice.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 7, 2018

Antibody combination puts HIV on the ropes

A study using antibodies from an elite controller has shown that a combination of three broadly neutralizing antibodies can completely suppress HIV in infected mice. The finding validates the approach of using multiple antibodies to control HIV infection, pointing towards a potential new treatment for people infected with HIV.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 25, 2017

How llamas' unusual antibodies might help in the fight against HIV/AIDS

Researchers have found a combination of llama antibodies that can neutralize a wide range of circulating HIV viruses, offering a promising approach to developing an effective HIV vaccine. The study identified four broadly neutralizing antibodies induced by vaccination in llamas, which showed features similar to human antibodies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 18, 2014

New artificial protein mimics a part of the HIV outer coat

A team of scientists has created an artificial protein that mimics a key site on the HIV outer coat where antibodies can bind, providing a potential new strategy in vaccine development to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies. The new protein was designed to facilitate the production of desired antibodies while preventing undesired re...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2013

Wits part of study that discovers a unique feature of HIV that helps to create antibodies

Researchers at Wits University and Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa have discovered a unique feature of HIV that enables infected people to create potent antibodies. These broadly neutralizing antibodies can kill up to 88% of HIV types, providing an important new approach for developing an AIDS vaccine.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 22, 2012

A study opens the possibility of developing a preventive vaccine against HIV/AIDS

Researchers from IDIBAPS have conducted a study on HIV-infected patients with undetectable viral load, finding that they can induce a broad and strong humoral immune response. The percentage of treated and untreated patients generating broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies was very similar, suggesting a potential preventive vaccine ba...